ISAIAH 46–47
The prophet speaks to the Babylonians and warns them that judgment is coming because of their many sins.
He begins with their idolatry (chap. 46) and contrasts Jehovah and the gods of Babylon. The idols must be carried, but Jehovah is a God who carries His people. The false gods cannot predict the future or control history, but Jehovah does both. The idols are all alike, but Jehovah is the only true God and there is none like Him. Rejoice that you can worship the true and living God (
God then accused them of being proud (47:1–3), having no humanity (
Nations and kingdoms have their day, but God reigns as King. Just be sure you are not learning the practices of Babylon.
There Is No Substitute
An idol is a substitute for God, something that we value and serve other than God. We trust it and sacrifice for it; but in the end, it can do us no good. Isaiah mocked the idols of the nations and affirmed repeatedly that Jehovah was the only true and living God (40:18–20;